According to official statements, Malusi We Sizwe Non-Profit Company (NPC) received the grant in November 2018 for an agricultural project in the Zululand District Municipality. The project was said to be designed to benefit almost 1,900 people and support food production, skills development and local economic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, investigators later raised concerns about how the funds were managed after approval, prompting a deeper probe by the SIU into the flow and use of the grant. The unit subsequently approached the Special Tribunal for asset preservation to prevent the possible dissipation of suspected proceeds linked to the funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SIU has indicated that its investigation covers the full lifecycle of the grant process, including how the application was initiated, approved and disbursed. According to findings outlined in its probe, Malusi We Sizwe Non-Profit Company applied for just under R15m, while the NLC adjudication committee approved R13m in November 2018. Shortly after approval, changes in the NPC\u2019s directorship were recorded, and funding was paid in two tranches between December 2018 and March 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investigators also noted that the entity had minimal funds at the time of receiving the grant, raising further questions about how the project was expected to proceed at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SIU further alleges that after the funds were disbursed, money was transferred through several transactions linked to individuals and companies, some of which were later associated with the acquisition of properties in Soshanguve and The Orchards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jodi Scholtz<\/strong>, NLC commissioner, said the commission supports the SIU\u2019s action as part of efforts to protect public funds and strengthen accountability in lottery-funded projects.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Barney Pityana<\/strong>, NLC Board chairperson, said the case shows the human cost of diverting money from vulnerable communities and reaffirmed the commission\u2019s commitment to proper oversight and recovery of misused funds<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/09\/lotto-300x200.jpg\")
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